RV campsites between Wapiti and Cody offer convenient access to Yellowstone's East Entrance along Highway 14-16-20. The region sits at elevations between 5,000-6,500 feet with a semi-arid climate that brings summer high temperatures averaging 75-85°F. Cell service becomes more limited the closer you get to the park boundary, with best connectivity in Cody.
What to do
Fishing access points: Several campgrounds near Wapiti provide direct river access for fishing the North Fork of the Shoshone. Yellowstone Valley Inn & RV offers sites with river views where "the lots were huge and they backed up to a field or the river which was a great view" according to one camper.
Visit downtown Red Lodge: The small town near Perry's RV and Campgrounds offers dining options and local shops. "Short drive into the town, which is worth a visit! Very cute," notes one reviewer who stayed in a cabin during rainy weather.
Explore Shoshone National Forest: The forest surrounding Wapiti Valley has multiple hiking trails and scenic viewpoints. From Green Creek Inn & RV Park, one camper mentioned "waking up to the sound of the river close by" after setting up their tent late at night.
What campers like
Central location: Absaroka Bay RV Park provides a convenient base for exploring the region. A reviewer noted it's "close to the east entrance to Yellowstone this park is also in Cody, a cool town. Staff is nice, bathhouse is clean."
Hot tub and pool amenities: Some RV parks offer relaxation options after a day of exploring. One camper at Yellowstone Valley Inn & RV highlighted the "indoor hot tub, outdoor pool. Also nice showers. Think there were 6 individual showers with toilet and sink."
Quieter alternatives to park camping: Staying outside Yellowstone provides more spacious sites. A camper checking out tent options noted they "kept driving and found a spot at Wapiti Campground (Forest Service). Much prettier, cheaper, a bit closer to Yellowstone, and right by the river."
What you should know
Tent camping limitations: Not all RV parks accommodate tent campers. A visitor to Yellowstone Valley Inn noted: "The brochure said '10 tent sites', but when we got there, they do not allow tent camping. The ladies in the office were very, very helpful in trying to look up other campgrounds in the area for us."
Hard water concerns: Some campgrounds in the area have mineral-heavy water. One reviewer at Absaroka Bay RV warned: "One other point of concern is that the campground waters every night, with very hard water that leaves tough to remove spots on your camper and vehicle. Get them off ASAP."
Payment methods vary: Some facilities have specific payment requirements. At Buffalo Bluff RV Park, check-in is streamlined but other campgrounds may have restrictions. One camper mentioned making a reservation at another nearby park noting "Cash or Check only" as an important detail to remember.
Tips for camping with families
Book weekday stays when possible: Summer weekends fill quickly at campgrounds near Yellowstone. At Parkway RV Campground, reviewers noted varied experiences: "Nothing fancy - no pool or bbq pits, but it worked for us as we were just passing through. It's about an hour from the east entrance to Yellowstone which is convenient."
Plan for mosquitoes: The creek and river areas attract insects during summer months. A family staying at Perry's RV Campgrounds warned: "The mosquitoes in the area can carry you away so prepare your campsite for that."
Visit Buffalo Bill Center: This Cody museum complex offers family-friendly exhibits. A camper at Absaroka Bay RV recommended: "Be sure to visit town and the Irma Hotel and the Buffalo Bill Center of the West."
Tips from RVers
Arrive outside peak hours: RV parks often have specific check-in windows. At Buffalo Bluff, a reviewer shared: "Our arrival email stated not to arrive before 3:00 PM and we were coming in from about an hour away so we called the office to see if early arrival would be permitted. Since we were arriving on a Monday, well into September, our site was empty and we were told to come on in."
Use discount programs: Several RV parks offer reduced rates with memberships. One camper mentioned: "They give a Good Sam discount and Military Discount. Nice folks who run the place."
Limited pull-through availability: Some parks have site length constraints. A reviewer at Absaroka Bay RV noted: "All pull-thru sites. 50, 30 and 20 amp service with water and sewer. Sites are short. When we checked in they asked us to park behind are bumper pull camper. The site was to short. So the said we could park in the next site over."
